Best School Formal Venues and Packages. Wollongong & Illawarra: Your Ultimate Guide

Best School Formal Venues and Packages. Wollongong & Illawarra: Your Ultimate Guide

Planning a School Formal or Graduation in the Illawarra? Discover our best school formal packages and perfect venues in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Create the perfect graduation event for your school and students. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront location, a modern ballroom, or a stylish waterfront setting, we’ve rounded up our top school formal venues and packages. From luxury to budget school events, Parents Guide Illawarra has done the research and got you covered.

City Beach Function Centre: Overlooks the Ocean

Host your unforgettable formal at the stunning City Beach Function Centre, where elegance meets excitement! Treat your graduates to an exquisite, gourmet 2-course plated dinner while enjoying a 4-hour non-alcoholic beverage package featuring soft drinks, juices, and sparkling water. Dance the night away on the huge dance floor with special effects lighting and custom fibre optic ceiling effects, all while surrounded by the breathtaking panoramic ocean views from your private balcony.

Every detail is tailored to perfection, from the elegant theming, including table centrepieces, Bentwood chairs, and City Beach table linen, to the fairy light backdrop creating a magical atmosphere. With a dedicated event coordinator, a lectern and microphone for speeches, and security personnel for peace of mind, everything is taken care of. Don’t miss the chance to make your formal night a truly spectacular experience!

Standard Package – $80 pp
Kick off your night with refreshing pre-dinner mocktails, followed by a gourmet 2-course plated dinner. Enjoy unlimited soft drinks and juices throughout the 4-hour event while dancing on a huge dance floor. Your private balcony offers stunning views, and a professional DJ will keep the energy high, playing your chosen music for 4 hours, and security personnel will be on hand for peace of mind. Minimum numbers apply.

Upstyle Package – $99 pp
Take your event to the next level with the Upstyle Package! In addition to everything in the Standard Package, you can choose from four additional options, including canapés on arrival, a mirrored photo booth, or a lolly buffet to delight your graduates. Add a flower wall and red-carpet entry for a glamourous touch or indulge in a mini gelato cone for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless with this package, ensuring your night is as unique as your students are.

No matter which package you choose, your school formal at City Beach Function Centre will be an unforgettable celebration, filled with elegance, fun, and memories to last a lifetime.

Enquire about City Beach Functions School Formals (tell them that Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Altitude 1148 – A Breathtaking School Formal Venue Above the Sea

Host an unforgettable celebration at Altitude 1148, where panoramic coastal views and an elegant setting create the perfect atmosphere for a night to remember. Located at the Southern Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops, this iconic venue delivers an elevated experience—both literally and figuratively.

Why Choose Altitude 1148?

  • Spectacular Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping views of the Illawarra coastline—perfect for golden hour photo opportunities and creating lasting memories.
  • Elegant Main Hall – Up to 150 Guests: Our spacious function room comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests. It features a large-screen TV for presentations or slideshows, and plenty of room for a dance floor—ideal for speeches, awards, and dancing the night away.
  • Flexible Packages – Starting from just $70 pp:
    • Choose between a two-course plated menu or a buffet-style service
    • Welcome guests with mocktails and canapés on arrival
    • Sweeten the celebration with a dessert grazing station or lolly bar (additional fee applies)
    • Soft drink packages tailored to suit your event and budget
    • Minimum numbers applypare
  • Optional Upgrades: Enhance your event with custom décor, flower walls, photo booths, or DJ entertainment to suit your school’s style and theme.
  • Dedicated Events Team: Our experienced team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration for students, staff, and families.

Enquire about Altitude 1148 School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Lagoon Seafood Restaurant: A Waterfront Experience

Host your unforgettable school formal at The Lagoon Restaurant, where stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere set the stage for an incredible night! Guests frequently praise The Lagoon’s impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and scenic atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for memorable school events. ​Their exclusive package offers a 4-hour complimentary private room hire with breathtaking ocean views, as well as a private alfresco outdoor area for guests to enjoy. Your dedicated event coordinator will assist every step of the way, ensuring a seamless celebration.

Indulge in signature lagoon mocktails and deluxe pre-dinner canapés, followed by a 2-course main meal and dessert menu, all for $85 pp. Your guests will have access to a 4-hour non-alcoholic beverage package, and the night will be filled with energy, thanks to a professional DJ, laser light show, and an awesome dance floor. Capture the fun in the 3-hour photo booth, complete with instant prints to take home as a keepsake.

For added personalisation, enjoy a customised seating chart and easel, along with your choice of black or white lycra chair covers. The package also includes a lectern and microphone for speeches or announcements.

Enhance your school formal at The Lagoon Restaurant with these fantastic optional extras, designed to add a special touch to your celebration:

  • Floor Balloon Bunches (Your Choice of Colours) – $30 per bunch
    Add a pop of colour and elegance with beautiful balloon bunches, customisable to match your theme or school colours.
  • Personalised Mesh Wall with Balloon Garland & Signature Disc – $425
    Create a stunning focal point for photos with a personalised mesh wall, adorned with a balloon garland and your signature disc for that extra wow factor.
  • Projector and Screen – $350
    Make your school formal even more memorable by displaying a slideshow, video, or presentation with the addition of a projector and screen.
  • Lolly Buffet – $6.50 per person
    Sweeten the night with a lolly buffet, offering a variety of sweets for guests to enjoy throughout the event.
  • Additional Course – From $15 per person
    Add an extra course to your menu, whether it’s an entree or an additional dessert, to keep your guests satisfied and delight their taste buds.

Please note that the package is available Monday to Thursday for a minimum of 90 guests. For safety, they require 1 supervisor or 1 security guard per 50 students at your expense. Enquire with the events team for more details on minimum numbers and room allocation.

Make your school formal at The Lagoon Restaurant an evening to remember!

Enquire about The Lagoon Restaurant’s School Formals (tell them that Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

The Icon Wollongong – No Room Hire Fee for the Perfect Inner-Wollongong Venue

Whole Venue Hire with the added BONUS of no room hire fee! The Icon Wollongong is available for up to 180 capacity with exclusive use Friday or Sunday. No minimum spend with function packages available. Located in the heart of Wollongong, The Icon is the ideal location for a school formal that can kick on to the wee hours. Dimitri and his dedicated team will work with you, so your event is everything you want and more. 

Enquire about The Icon Wollongong’s event packages (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Woonona Bulli RSL: A Hidden Gem for Year 6 Farewells

Celebrate your Year 6 farewell in style at Woonona-Bulli RSL. The venue provides spacious and versatile event spaces suitable for both large-scale farewells and intimate celebrations. Known for its budget-friendly packages, the venue offers a range of catering and entertainment options. Its accessibility, affordability, and professional event coordination make it a fantastic choice for school events in the Illawarra region.​

For a more intimate graduation celebration, consider The Verandah or The Hennessy Hut—both undercover alfresco areas ideal for 40-80 guests. At just $100 for a 4-hour hire, these spaces feature comfortable outdoor dining suites, heaters for cooler evenings, and a welcoming vibe.

For larger school farewells options, the Auditorium offers a stage, dance floor, and ample space for 250 seated or 450 standing guests. With a full bar, sound system, and microphone, this is the ultimate space for a lively celebration. The Governors Inn provides a more intimate setting for up to 120 guests standing or 80 seated, complete with its own bar and small stage, offering a cosy yet stylish venue for your event.

There is a choice of two-course and three-course meal options, drinks packages and choices depending on the size of your event, starting from $22 per person.

Whatever your vision for your Year 6 farewell, Woonona-Bulli RSL has the perfect space to make it unforgettable. Here, you even have the freedom to decorate the room in whatever theme you like!

Enquire about Woonona-Bulli RSL’s Year 6 Farewells (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Centro CBD: Versatile, Special, Central

Make your school formal unforgettable at Centro CBD in Wollongong, where they offer a range of stunning function rooms and flexible packages to suit every style and need. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, they have the perfect space to make your night extraordinary.

For a grand, elegant event, the Sorrento Room is a top choice, featuring sophisticated black drapery, crystal chandeliers, LED lighting effects, and a state-of-the-art audio system. With its large black and white dance floor, private bar facility, and adjoining foyer and balcony areas, the Sorrento Room can host up to 300 people theatre-style or 240 guests with a dance floor. It’s ideal for a school formal with a touch of luxury.

If you’re looking for something a bit cosier, the Restaurant offers a stylish ambiance with a Venice wall mural, marble bar area, and modern design. It can accommodate up to 120 guests, making it perfect for a more intimate, school formal with a touch of class.

For smaller groups, the Private Room provides an intimate setting with its feature wall of Italian charcoals, roof-mounted screen projector, and portable audio system, accommodating up to 55 guests in cocktail mode.

Centro CBD offer a sophisticated and delicious menu to make your school formal a culinary experience to remember. Their chefs embrace the Italian art of mangiare bene (good eating), ensuring every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and exceptional flavour. Choose between a two-course meal for $68 per person or a three-course option for $78 per person.

No matter the size of your guest list or your style, Centro CBD is the perfect venue for your school formal, ensuring a night to remember with impeccable service and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Enquire about Centro CBD’s School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!)

Port Kembla Golf Club: Recently Renovated, Value Packages

Celebrate your school formal in style at Port Kembla Golf Club, where great stories begin. The Clubhouse and Melaleuca Function Room at Port Kembla Golf Club have recently undergone renovation, giving a cozy and fun ambiance for all events. The Melaleuca Function Room can comfortably seat 130 guests for a banquet style dinner, with space for a dancefloor of course!

The friendly and professional Events team is there to help you plan your special occasion, ensuring that your night is truly unforgettable. The all-inclusive package is set at $100 per person (with no hidden costs) and includes room hire, 2-course meal, 4 hour drinks package, room décor, DJ and more – ensuring that every detail is covered!

You can also enhance your event with additional services such as add-on canapes, grazing tables, lolly bars, mocktails, photobooths, extra decorations, jukebox hire, or live entertainment.

Enquire about Port Kembla Golf Club’s School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

The Shellharbour Club

Let The Shellharbour Club be the venue for your school formal in their Precinct function space. With our range of menus including tantalising finger food selections and various drink package options, let The Shellharbour Club make your school formal an occasion to remember.

Enquire about The Shellharbour Club’s School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

The Fraternity ClubCentral Location and Loads of Space

With spacious event rooms and tailored function packages, The Fraternity Club is the ideal place for school formals! Their dedicated Function Manager will take care of all the details. The Auditorium is ideal for large-scale formals with plenty of room to dance. With state-of-the-art technology, free WiFi, elevator access, and tailored packages, they ensure your event is seamless and stress-free with delicious catering options too.

Enquire about The Fraternity Club’s Event Packages (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Dapto Leagues ClubValue-Added Event Packages

Say goodbye to primary school in style with a Year 6 Farewell at The Sinclair at Dapto Leagues Club! Offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, this venue provides the perfect setting for your celebration. Dinner package options start from just $35 per person and include a delicious two-course dinner with a variety of hot and cold selections, plus a sweet dessert to finish.

With private room hire for 5 hours, your students will have plenty of time to enjoy the evening and create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a Monday to Friday event, The Sinclair makes it easy and affordable to host a memorable farewell with a minimum of 40 guests.

Pricing is valid for 2025 dates, so let Dapto Leagues Club help you make your Year 6 Farewell a special occasion that will be remembered for years to come!

Enquire about Dapto Leagues Club’s School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

The Grange Golf Club

Celebrate your school’s big milestone in style at The Grange Golf Club, where your graduation formal becomes an unforgettable event. Offering an exclusive venue tailored to your needs, The Grange boasts an abundance of natural lighting, an exclusive outdoor terrace, and stunning views over manicured lawns and gardens—providing the perfect backdrop for those all-important photo opportunities.

The Grange’s school formal dinner package features state-of-the-art AV equipment, a customisable selfie station, and more to ensure your night sparkles with glamour. From the stunning setting to their comprehensive package, including a four-hour soft drink and juice package, a disc jockey, delicious two-course meals, and much more, The Grange provides everything you need for an unforgettable school formal.

Enjoy easy parking, expert event guidance, and a seamless experience with options like upgraded canapés, a mirrored seating plan, or even a donut station for that extra touch of fun. Whether you’re celebrating on a Monday or Friday, The Grange ensures your formal is a dazzling event to remember.

Pricing starts at $106 per person (Monday to Thursday) and $116 per person (Friday), with a minimum of 100 guests. Let The Grange help you make your school formal an event you’ll never forget!

Enquire about The Grange Golf Club’s School Formals (tell them Parents Guide Illawarra sent you!).

Tips for Organising a Successful School Formal

  • Setting a Budget and Comparing Packages: Compare packages to find the best balance of quality and affordability.​
  • Choosing the Perfect Theme and Decorations: Pick a theme that resonates with students and complements the venue’s aesthetics.​
  • Coordinating with Venue Staff for a Seamless Event: Maintain open communication with venue staff to ensure smooth coordination.​

FAQs about School Formal Packages in Wollongong & Illawarra

  • What should I look for in a school formal venue? Focus on location, ambiance, and included services.​
  • How early should we book our formal venue? Aim to book at least 6-12 months in advance.​
  • Do venues offer customizable packages? Most venues in Wollongong and Illawarra offer flexible packages.​
  • Are there options for dietary restrictions? Yes, many venues cater to various dietary needs.​
  • What is the average cost of a school formal package in Wollongong? Packages range from $80 to $150 per person, depending on the venue and inclusions.​
  • Can parents visit venues before booking? Absolutely! Many venues encourage site visits.​

Conclusion: Make Your School Formal Unforgettable

With so many fantastic options for school formal packages in Wollongong & Illawarra, you’re sure to find the perfect venue for your celebration. From waterfront elegance to rustic charm, these venues will help you create cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

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